Private Outside Scholarships
How Outside Scholarships Work
Iowa State University is required to coordinate all outside (privately funded) scholarships through the Office of Student Financial Aid. This ensures your overall financial aid package remains accurate and that funds are properly credited to your account each semester.
Scholarship checks may come directly from the donor to you, or the donor may send them directly to our office. Either way, the steps below describe what needs to happen.
Steps for Donors
Mail the check to our office
Send scholarship checks directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid at the address listed in the sidebar. Include the student’s name and University ID on the check or in an accompanying letter. If the University ID is not known, include the last four digits of the student’s SSN and/or their hometown.
For DonorsMake the check payable to Iowa State University
It is preferable that checks be made out to “Iowa State University for the benefit of [Student’s Name].” This ensures the funds are routed directly to the student’s account without delay.
For DonorsPreferred Check Format
“Iowa State University for the benefit of [Student’s Full Name]”
Include the student’s name and University ID on the check or in an accompanying letter. If the University ID is not known, include the last four digits of the SSN and/or the student’s hometown.
Required Submission Form
All outside scholarship checks must be accompanied by a completed Scholarship Submission Form. Download the form and include it with your check submission.
Steps for Students
Notify Financial Aid right away
If you learn that you will be receiving an outside scholarship, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid as soon as possible. This allows us to update your financial aid package before funds arrive.
For StudentsInclude the Scholarship Submission Form
Every check submission must be accompanied by a completed Scholarship Submission Form. Download, complete, and attach it to your check before mailing or delivering it to our office.
Donors & StudentsIf the check is made out to you
If the donor sent the check directly to you, mail it to the Office of Student Financial Aid or submit it in person. Be sure to endorse the check on the back before submitting it.
For StudentsSubmit in person or by mail
Bring the endorsed check and completed form in person to 0210 Beardshear Hall, or mail everything to the address in the sidebar. Allow adequate processing time before your bill due date.
Donors & StudentsSemester Disbursement
Unless the donor specifies otherwise, scholarship funds will be split equally between the fall and spring semesters. If a donor intends for funds to be applied entirely to one semester, they should note that designation in an accompanying letter.